Dodgers Free Agent JD Martinez Drawing Interest From Toronto Blue Jays
With the Dodgers signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to his record-setting contract, the team no longer has a need to bring back designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Martinez spent the 2023 season with the Dodgers, and he ended up being one of the more productive players on the team.
He signed with Los Angeles to boost his value up around the league, and it turned out to be a successful bet. Martinez was a key member of the Dodgers’ historic offense in 2023, showing that he still has some major pop in his bat.
In 113 games, Martinez hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 runs batted in. It was one of his better seasons in a while, and he is now being courted around the league as the best DH option available.
Martinez has been linked with the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason, and you can now add the Toronto Blue Jays to the mix. Blue Jays Insider Keegan Matheson of MLB.com is reporting that Toronto has an interest in bringing Martinez to town next season.
“This roster needs its Brandon Belt, and the Blue Jays have interest in Martinez as a veteran run producer. Martinez isn’t slowing down and should be available on a two-year deal.”
Per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com
Toronto knows Martinez well from his time with the Boston Red Sox, so they’ve seen the damage he can do to opposing teams. He would give them a solid veteran presence in their lineup, and would not be too expensive on a one- or two-year deal.
Adding Martinez to a lineup that already has multiple power hitters would be fun to watch. The Blue Jays have been trying to get themselves over the hump come playoff time, and Martinez could very well help with that.
In his career, he has hit .294 with 10 home runs and 31 runs batted in 33 games postseason games. He steps up when the lights get the brightest, so his heading to Toronto makes all the sense in the world.
For the Dodgers, they’d love for him to not end up in the NL West with a team like the Diamondbacks. While he only spent one season with them, he used to hit L.A. well when he had faced them previously.
With Ohtani signed, Martinez’s market will be heating up even more.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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